Trail des Marcassins is a January trail race starting in Saint-Brice-sous-Forêt, Val-d’Oise, north of Paris. Participants enter the Montmorency forest for an early-season run, with options of 17 km or 27 km. The 27 km route includes approximately 600 meters of elevation gain, making it a challenging winter run in the forest.
The race begins in central Saint-Brice-sous-Forêt, leading runners into the woods of Champeaux and onto the forest paths around Montmorency. January conditions typically involve wet ground, mud, and slippery sections, requiring appropriate footwear and a steady approach. This is a self-sufficient event with a single aid station, necessitating that runners carry their own equipment and a cup. Organized by Saint Brice Athlétisme, the race embraces its boar theme, referencing it as “the favorite race of Obelix” and encouraging participants to navigate the Val-d’Oise woods like young wild boars.